6 Top Teas for your Wellbeing

Most of us love a cup of tea first thing in the morning to satisfy our thirst and prepare us for the day ahead. As there is such a large variety of tea available across the world, wouldn’t it be good to know the different health benefits so we ensure we are drinking the best?  

Although tea first started in China, Britain made it a famous drink throughout the world. It is a prominent feature of British culture and we have been enjoying tea since the mid-17th century when it was first introduced. It has become embedded in the way we go about our daily lives; ever counted down those last few minutes of your lesson because you’re desperate for a break so you can grab a brew? We all have one of those days. 

I started drinking green tea when I worked in a school as it seemed to be a good way to fit in with my colleagues who would hover in the staff room, sipping tea and eating biscuits – nothing tastes better with biscuits. Particularly when I first started the role, I found it a good way to get to know people and I felt more included mainly because I was drinking tea – sounds bizarre I know. I didn’t even like green tea to start with but because I knew it was good for me, I grew to love it! 

So in case you didn’t know, below is a list of the top 6 healthy teas and reasons why you may want to consider drinking them (if you aren’t already!):

1) Black Tea

This is the most common tea and accounts for75% of global tea consumption. Although it contains the most caffeine than others (about 40 milligrams per cup), it has high concentrations of the antioxidant compounds linked to lowering levels of cholesterol.

2) Green Tea

Green tea contains about 25 milligrams of caffeine per cup, and has more of a delicate flavour than black. It is full of antioxidants and helps prevent cancer and illnesses such as heart disease. One study found it lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 10%.

I find it has a bitter taste to it which I didn’t initially like but now I can’t beat a bitter green tea in the morning!

3) Oolong Tea 

This tea is similar to black tea but the fermentation process is shorter and it contains less caffeine than black tea (30 milligrams roughly, per cup).

One study found that women who drank oolong tea burned calories more quickly over a two hour period than others that didn’t drink it. This is likely because the tea activates an enzyme which helps to break down fat more effectively. 

4) White Tea

White tea has a much milder flavour than any other variety and contains only 15 milligrams of caffeine per cup. It has a number of health benefits; it helps combat cardiovascular disease and cancers. In addition, research suggests it helps those with diabetes by improving glucose tolerance and reduce cholesterol levels.

White tea is another favourite of mine that I discovered a couple of years after drinking green tea; I find it similar to green tea but without the bitter edge. 

5) Flavoured Tea

Flavoured teas have the same health benefits to unflavoured teas as they contain similar levels of antioxidants however those that include super fruits like blueberries include more antioxidants. Try to avoid the teas that have added sugar in them and go for those that are rich in antioxidants.   

6) Herbal Teas

Herbal teas usually contain zero caffeine and are a combination of dried fruits, flowers and herbs. A study found that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea a day helped reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Chamomile tea can aid relaxation and promote sleep and peppermint tea effectively helps calm the stomach. 

So come September when returning to work, bear in mind the above teas to support your wellbeing as a teacher.

Sources:

https://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/healthy-eating/types-of-tea/black-tea 

https://www.quora.com/Why-do-British-love-tea-so-much

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